The Irish Cinderlad

Book Title: The Irish Cinderlad

Author: Shirley Climo

Illustrator: Loretta Krupinski

Publisher: Harper Collins

Copyright Date: 1996

Genre: Picturebook: Folktale

Brief Annotation: An Irish take on the well-known story of Cinderella. Becan (our “Cinderella” of the story) has unusually large feet, a terrible stepmother, and three equally unlikable stepsisters. A talking bull assumes the role of the fairy godmother and of course, there is a search (called for by the princess) for the person whose large foot fits the one boot that was left behind. And if you know the story of Cinderella, you can probably guess how this story ends…

Your Rating (1-5) and why: 3 – It was interesting to read a very different twist on the story of Cinderella, but in the end, it was just less interesting. While there were the elements of fantasy (talking bull, magic bull’s tail, dragon, fairytale ending), it didn’t feel as magical as Cinderella – and it’s difficult not to compare the two. Comparing the different versions is actually the best aspect of this book. There is so much to compare/contrast with this version. But with this version, overall, the words and the illustrations were mediocre.

Readers who will like this book: Children who are 5-9 years old and are familiar with the story of Cinderella will probably enjoy this book the most. However, it’s a little violent (compared to it’s counterpart) so keep that in mind with younger kids. Boys may also get a kick out of seeing a boy’s version of the story.

Question to ask about this book before a read aloud: We just read and learned about the story of Cinderella. This is another version of that story, but this time the main character is a boy. How do you think the story might be similar or different to the story of Cinderella?

Interest Level (age): 5-8

Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 3.5